A "Shehakol" blessing in the heart of the Arab market: "We did the unbelievable, with inconceivable providence"

Everyone who has passed through the alleys of the Muslim Quarter on their way to the Western Wall has encountered an unusual sight: among the Arab shops offering souvenirs, oriental clothing, and antiques, stands a bustling shop owned by Jews.

This is a one-of-a-kind hospitality corner — aesthetic, filled with Hasidic music, and pleasant air conditioning that emits cool vapors into the sweltering market alleys. The place seems to have appeared at exactly the right moment, when worshippers arrive tired and sweaty. Passersby cannot help but stop and wonder: who is behind this enterprise, and how did they manage to set up such a corner in the heart of the Muslim Quarter?

A vision of redemption and kindness

To understand the background, one must know the Zilberman community in the Old City. "Many have heard of the Zilberman community, but not everyone delves into the depth of our essence," explains Rabbi Eliyahu Zilberman, a grandson of the founder, Rabbi Yitzhak Shlomo Zilberman. "We are attached to the path of the students of the Vilna Gaon, and our aspiration is to connect the people of Israel to the inner essence of Jerusalem. Our goal is not to 'conquer' territories, but to deepen our inner connection to the city of God, to prepare for redemption and the coming of the Messiah. The entire community works for this with self-sacrifice."

The Rabbi connects this to the sources: "The Gemara asks why in the Amidah prayer we ask first 'And to Jerusalem, Your city, return in mercy' and only afterwards 'And the sprout of David, Your servant, speedily cause to flourish.' The answer is that 'the son of David will not come until Jerusalem is built.' This is why the greatest sages, led by the Vilna Gaon, ascended to the Land of Israel to build Jerusalem and settle it, advancing the redemption."

From this spiritual vision was born the opportunity to establish a Jewish shop, woven into a story of divine providence: "We saw clearly how the Almighty sent the right man at the right time. As soon as the shop passed into Jewish hands, we rushed to turn it into a hospitality point."

Following Nakdimon

"For years we have been witnessing the distress of Jews walking to the Western Wall," explains Rabbi Zilberman. "Especially in the heat, passersby have no place to purchase a drink at a reasonable price. Furthermore, Jews walking through the market feel uncomfortable. We concluded that by opening a hospitality corner offering free refreshments, we would achieve a double goal: giving worshippers rest and helping them feel an atmosphere of elevation. When people see an inviting Jewish corner and hear Hasidic sounds, the discomfort dissipates and is replaced by an atmosphere of holiness."

The Rabbi emphasizes: "When we established this point, alongside the goal of giving people a cup of coffee, there was a goal seven times more important — to give them a connection to the holiness of Jerusalem. We want them to feel how the people of Israel, after two thousand years of exile, merit again to ascend to pray in Jerusalem, as in the days of the Temple."

How it works

Named "Nakdimon" after the wealthy Nakdimon ben Gurion, who watered pilgrims from his wells, the place is high-end. "We invested many resources: we installed expensive water cooler systems, juices, and soda. There are hot drinks, including various types of milk. We installed a special ceiling that looks like the gate of heaven, and we play melodies of anticipation for the Messiah. Every day, more than 3,000 cups are used, with up to 50 liters of milk and dozens of boxes of refreshments consumed."

Regarding the Arab neighbors, the Rabbi says: "Of course, not with open arms. But they are slowly understanding that our goal is not to provoke, but to provide a real answer to the needs of people on their way to prayer. They even respect it."

Expecting redemption

Rabbi Zilberman shares the feedback: "We hung signage with blessings, and many who are not observant do not feel comfortable eating without reciting a blessing. One elderly Jew told us it was the first time in his life he recited a blessing. We also set up a tefillin stand. When the Messiah arrives, we will initiate projects for halls and rooms throughout the Old City, so families can sit comfortably, take care of children, and prepare for the Western Wall. These are not dreams; we are preparing for this in the coming months."